Fisher goal turns out priceless for Seans

SEAN O’MAHONYS NAOMH MAIRTIN 1-12 0-13

A first half goal from Stephen Fisher proved decisive as Sean O’Mahonys began their league campaign with victory over Naomh Mairtin.

The Monasterboice men were playing their first game in the competition since their memorable Cardinal O’Donnell Cup Final win last year but they were unable to mark the occasion with victory as a determined O’Mahonys outfit held out.

Despite being short a number of regulars the O’Mahonys were not short on desire and their legendary battling qualities helped them come out on top in a well contested clash.

The all-important goal arrived in the first half from the boot of the impressive Stephen Fisher (right) to help the Dundalk men to lead by 1-7 to 0-6 at half time.

Despite JP Rooney and Conor Whelan contributing points for the Mairtins, the Dundalk side maintained their advantage for much of the second and moved six clear half entering the closing stages.

The home side then staged a late rally with four unanswered points but time ran out before they could complete the comeback.

SEAN O’MAHONYS: Kevin Brennan; Christopher O’Neill, Ronan Byrne, Johnny Connolly; Conor Finegan 0-1, Mickey Clarke, John O’Brien; Shane Kerrigan, Conor Martin; Stephen Fisher 1-3, Stephen Kilcoyne 0-3, Sean Matthews 0-2; Kyle Carroll, Ben McLaughlin 0-2, Barry Mackin 0-1. Sub: David Redmond for S Kerrigan.

NAOMH MAIRTIN: Craig Lynch; Adam Winters, Mick Fanning, Paul Berrill; Eoghan Callaghan, Thomas Sullivan, John Clutterbuck 0-1; Wayne Campbell, Gavin Mooney; Stephen Campbell, Brian McQuillan 0-1, Joe McGrane; Conor Morgan, JP Rooney 0-7, Eamonn McQuillan. Subs: Darren Morgan, Alan Downey, Conor Healy, Conor Whelan 0-2, Fra McCullough.